Page 88 of Absinthe Minded

The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. “Which tub did you use?”

“The one with the fancy towels.” He yawned.

I stood and pulled his Spiderman comforter to his shoulders. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“G’night.”

The closer I came to the bathroom, the greater my sense of doom. I opened the door and the aroma of chocolate almost knocked me over. It looked like Willy Wonka had set up shop. Brown goo covered the floor and walls and tub. No amount of bleach would save the pretty white guest towels.

I smiled and closed the door. Mr. Wonderful didn’t have things as under control as he wanted me to believe. He didn’t do a better job at parenting than I did. Hefakedit better.

29

Gabe

Three weeks had passedsince the last time I’d heard from Chantal. Her radio silence should have been a good thing, but I didn’t trust it. She still hadn’t signed the damned papers. While I didn’t want to believe Chantal had tricked me into knocking her up to extort money, it made sense. One thing I knew for sure, women like Chantal didn’t give up easily.

In four days, the clock would run out on whatever game she was playing—four freaking days until the judge ruled on my petition for full custody of Ella.

“Maggie, we’re late for work.” I’d paced a rut in the kitchen floor waiting for her.

“Sorry, I was working on my novel and lost track of time.” She handed Ella to Hildie, who I’d begged to come help with the kids.

Hildie smiled, but I didn’t. Maggie looked like hell. Her skin seemed paler or maybe it was the dark circled under her eyes. She’d lost the little bounce in her step—even her hair seemed to slouch. With Mardi Gras season in full swing, we’d worked long hours and the days between now and Fat Tuesday would be even crazier.

“Why don’t you take the night off?” I pressed my hand to her forehead, but she batted it away.

“I’m fine. Let’s go.”

“You might want to change your shirt.” I motioned to the spit-up on her shoulder

Maggie groaned. “Dang it.”

Hildie said, “I always think it smells like week old alfredo sauce.”

Maggie choked out a laugh and went back down the hall to change.

I texted Jessie to let her know we were running late.

“Okay, I’m ready.” Maggie returned to the kitchen wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt with the bar logo.

We kissed the kids and headed for the car.

“Are you sure you aren’t coming down with something?”

“Gabe, seriously, I’m fine.” She checked her reflection and sighed. “You’re giving me a complex.”

“I worry. Sue me.” I turned off the highway and navigated through the Quarter. “I spoke to Santiago today. The judge still hasn’t made a final ruling on your case.”

Her eyes went all sort of watery.

“Babe, don’t cry. It’ll work out in our favor.”

“I hope so.”

“We’re going to be busy tonight. I’ll be behind the bar with you and Jessie.”

“Okay.” She gazed at my mouth and licked her lips.

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